Matron Stakes 2011

5.40 Leopardstown

Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes (Group 1) (3yo+) Winner €123,500

Advice: 3 pts win Misty For Me (11/8 Boylesports)

Emulous: Progressive this season, winning 2 Group 3 events with plenty to spare the last twice over useful yardsticks; Has been found a very good opportunity after a break to gain a first Group 1 here and should be respected.

Lolly For Dolly: Showed plenty of promise when winning maiden and Group 3 last year (plenty of decent efforts afterwards); Already struck twice in Group 3 company this season,  showing plenty of guts to get past solid yardstick on second of those starts; Group 2 win at Royal Ascot a career best, but lackluster showing last time needs to be accounted for.

Ballybacka Lady: Improved out of all recognition (based on earlier form) when registering comfortable success in 1,000 Guineas trial but not lived up to that form since and outclassed here.

 Barefoot Lady: Useful 2yo & not disgraced when third and second in Group/Listed contests at backend of last year; Feisty winner of Nell Gwyn on return and further improvement when fifth in 1,000 Guineas, second in Musidora and then third in Coronation Stakes; This easier than Nassau but is beginning to look exposed.

Emyina: Was backed like a good horse when winning only modest 3 –YO maiden at Dundalk on seasonal reappearance, and far better when only just holding off multiple Group winner Lolly For Dolly; Not run to same form in two starts since and Blinkers will need to have noted effect.

Misty For Me: Multiple Group 1 winner who took tally at highest level to 4 with romp over Midday in Pretty Polly Stakes; That form dubious on basis that she got an easy lead and runner up below form she has shown since but also suggests that she is still improving and should take the beating today.

Together: One of most consistent fillies of last year, following Moyglare fourth with Fillies Mile second & although didn’t run to that form afterwards, has  found best foot when making bold bid to come second in both Guineas, form which does make her strictly the one to beat; However extended losing run to 9 when fifth in Coronation Stakes and stable second string.

Wild Wind: Found some form with a Listed win at Killarney and caught a tarter in quickly improving type last time out but that still not the form which saw her third in the French Guineas, and she’ll need to run to that level here.

VERDICT: It’s probably not wise to take MISTY FOR ME’S latest defeat of Midday literally but it was a smashing effort nonetheless and suggest she still has more to give. It’s likely that Emlous is her main threat although quicker ground usually brings the best out of Together.